Every journey begins with a single step

There is nothing like the ending of a year and the beginning of a fresh new year to invite the motivation to better yourself: To achieve something greater, to make a positive change in your life or the lives of others. A New Year’s Resolution is a time honored tradition of setting a goal for yourself. To help you achieve your goals and to make those positive changes, the following tips and tricks are available to guide you to success.

Choosing – Every journey begins with a single step


Quit smoking. 

More physical activity. 

Learn something new. 


Take more time for yourself. Choosing what you want to better in yourself or in your life is a tough choice. It’s easy to get carried away, but too much change too fast isn't good and can quickly become overwhelming. 

For best results, pick one or two resolutions that you would really like to accomplish. This will help you manage your goals and track you successes. Don’t sabotage yourself right out of the gate by setting unrealistic goals. 

Plan – A goal without a plan is just a wish

Examine how you wish to achieve your goal. By outlining how you can achieve your resolution you reinforce your commitment and assure that it is realistically achievable. This practice will also help you identify any challenges and pitfalls you may encounter, while giving you an opportunity to plan how you will overcome them beforehand. 

Be clear what you what to achieve and what small steps will get you to your goal. By creating a series of smaller tasks, you take what may be seen like an overwhelming larger objective and create more easily obtainable mini-goals.

Positive support - A word of encouragement during a failure is worth more than an hour of praise after success

Utilize your supports. If you have a friend who has a similar goal, work towards your goal together with mutual support. Potentially a professional service may also be available to facilitate your success. Be it a book, a website, a course or a support group; whatever you are most comfortable with will increase your success dramatically. When we connect with others we strengthen our resolve. 

Be aware of those with whom you share your bad habits or environments that prevent your success. Stay away from these challenging situations by changing your usual routine. One of the best ways to break bad habits is to replace them with good ones. 

Stick with it – Setbacks are temporary as long as you don’t give up

It’s a fast pace world and it’s very easy to get off track. 



Be flexible when pursuing your goal to help you adapt to inevitable changes. Prepare for roadblocks and accept that it’s okay to stumble in pursuit of your objective. Just remember why you decided on your goal. Follow the steps you set out for yourself and rely on your supports. Visualize your goal and your motivation and you will succeed in your resolution in the New Year.

                                            

I wish you Many Blessings through the New Year for you – your friends and your family.  Be sure to congratulate yourself for every accomplishment you achieve – big or small – share kind words with others – and yourself

When the going gets "Tough"...just call me.

Susan Tough

New Year, New Home?

It’s officially 2012 so let me start by wishing you a Happy New Year.  In early January, many of us are planning and setting goals for everything we want to do and achieve in the year to come.

While many people think of spring as the prime time home buying season, the winter months often offer an even greater selection of inventory, and the opportunity to settle into the new home before warmer months arrive.  If buying a house is on your “to do” list this year, now is also the time to begin preparing.


I remember when I bought my home.  There were so many things to get in order– it was confusing to decide where to begin! So, even if you plan to buy in the spring, January is a good time to get ready. Here are some tips to help you get on track to reach your 2012 home buying resolution:

• Select a qualified and trusted real estate agent: At Coldwell Banker Horizon Realty, we have knowledgeable, trustworthy agents.  Agents that understand the valley’s market and can help you find all the information and resources you need to get started. Researching on your own is important, and using free on-line tools is a great way to start, but meeting with an agent will ensure you don’t miss any important steps along the way.  In fact, the next three tips were sourced from the great advice of our agents.
• Create your “must-haves” and “nice-to-haves” list: Easier said than done, right?  But it’s next to impossible to find a first home with everything.  You’ll need to think about your lifestyle needs and prioritize the non-negotiable home accommodations, such as a bedroom for each family member, over items you may want, but not need, such as a large master suite. Everyone’s list is different, but knowing your “must-haves” in advance will help you stay focused.

• Determine your budget: Be realistic about what is affordable. An agent can help you find comparable home prices and hone in on approximately how much the payments will be.  You should also plan to get pre-approved for a mortgage. Here is a link to two very capable Mortgage Brokers that have come very highly recommended by our REALTORS® that have used their expertise in the past with very positive results.  Brenda Dilley (250-861-4663) and April Dunn (250-768-6833) with Mortgage Alliance Homeline Mortgage are available to you at any time and will work getting together with you around your work and family commitments. Doing this prior to house hunting will let you know how much money you qualify for, and how much you can afford. You’ll also be able to figure out which mortgage type is best for you. You have a lot of options you may not be aware of.
• Identify the perfect “location, location, location”: Everyone has heard this phrase before, and while the surrounding neighbourhood and home itself may improve over time, the physical location will remain the same. Determine in advance how close you would like to live to work, schools or extended family. A short commute to work, proximity to family or having easy access to highways and mass transit will often be items for your “must-haves” list.

• Other costs and questions:  I won’t repeat myself but I will encourage you to go back to my Blog of      September 8, 2011  and review the many questions a first time buyer can have.  Even though this may not be your first purchase or move – things change, regulations, costs and you can sometimes forget the small details that may have caused you grief during your previous transaction.  Be sure you know what possible taxes will now apply to you on a second or third purchase that didn't on your first. Government grants for update to heating and insulation can come and go and may be available to you if you find the need to shop in a lower price point and put a little ‘elbow grease’ and equity into your home.

Welcome to home ownership !  - Something to be very proud of and excited about.  Be sure you have an experienced, trusted REALTOR® by your side to maximize the knowledge and minimize the stress.

Happy New Year!

When the going gets "Tough"...just call me.

Susan Tough